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Some rain last evening and this morning but I didn't mind waiting a bit to start my ride. Watching Prins William say 'I do' to his princess Catherine while waiting for the tracks to dry out a bit. Sun was out and skies were blue when I rode out half past noon.
I wanted to do a substantial ride so I chose to combine a couple of Meerdael Bloso routes with the majestic hilly section of the Meerdael Classic 100K organised ride. This section comprises around 35K and close to 700 heighmeters. No comment on the toughness.
Starting with the Green Bloso in the opposite direction, connecting soon with the Blue just outside Blanden. I decided not to do the Red because that would lead me too far before I got to the start of the Hilly Section. So when I arrived in Nethen after the downhill of the Savenel, I crossed the road to Sint Joris Weert and climbed into the Ruelle du Curé. Down and up in and out of Pecrot and then I was at the little train station where the Meerdael Classic passes. The Hilly section is what makes the difference between the 65 and 100K distances of the Meerdael Classic. When I started the first serious climb up in the Bois de Laurensart I met Johan of Vaalbeek. It had been a while since we last met and I was pleased to be able to say HI to him. Hope to meet you again soon, Johan.
Into the Ottenbrug area next where the track goes up and down relentlessly. I stopped for a couple of pictures in the little secluded valley before attempting the steep climb in the opposite direction of the Overijse Red Bloso.
I only had to stop once on that climb because of a slippery root so I must have a very good condition. Its been a while since I was able to ride this climb. Into the Sint Agatha Rode bos next for another 21% climb, which is easier because there are no roots. The temperature was ideal for this kind of demanding ride, around 20 degrees C with a refreshing breeze from the east. During the ride the sun would hide and some darker clouds would emerge but it hasn't rained yet. Again a steep climb in the right direction this time of the Overijse Bloso to a plateau where you have a magnificent view of Huldenberg.
Down into Huldenberg and then following the river Ijse for a while. When the track arrives at the Margijsbos there are 4 successive climbs waiting for me. After the last one the trail descents towards the Wolfshagen and then another climb takes me back up to the Smeysberg plateau. Down towards Sint Agatha Rode and then crossing the Marbaise to reach Pecrot. A last steep climb into the Beaumont forest and I can descent towards Nethen to find the Blue Bloso again. Following this until it connects to the Green Bloso just before entering Heverleebos.
Now there are some easier kilometers waiting for me, ideal to recuperate a bit from the heavy work on the Meerdael Classic loop. When I reach the point where I injected on the Green Bloso I have close to 80K on my counter. Just a little connection to reach my home, tired but very satisfied with the ride.
Ride Stats : 85.5K and 1080/1200 heightmeters (Polar/Garmin) in 4h31mins30secs
2280/23640
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